Monday, July 22, 2013

Today I'm writing about how important it is to have a solid support system in your diabetic life...actually life in general.

When I moved to the city, I made some good friends. I also made a best friend. Not only were they fun to be around and talk to, they became such an important part of my life. From the beginning, I valued our friendship. I guess I really began to realize how special this person truly was the day I figured out they were so interested in my diabetes. This person learned more about diabetes than I ever would have asked anyone to. One day, they just came out and told me what beta cells were...I was so impressed. Soon after, they learned how to test my blood sugar...what a good number was...what a bad number was...how to inject glucagon. They even let me insert a pump site into their stomach just so they knew how it felt.

Up until I met this person, I never really thought about how much I appreciate people taking the time to learn about diabetes. Not only learn about it, but truly understand all the of annoying-ness, pain-in-the-butt, craziness that comes along with it. As soon as I realized this person was doing that, I became even more thankful for having them in my life. I am SO LUCKY.

In the end, this person became my support system. Sure, I have my mom and sister at home, but this person was my NYC support system for life and diabetes. I cannot begin to explain how much this has meant to me. This person needs to know that they are so, so special. I was able to count on them to listen to all of my diabetic problems. They offered me support, advice, and inspiration. They made my life in the city ten times easier and I love them for that. They may not know it yet, but I know they will do great things and help so many other people.

This relationship has taught me how important it is to have an awesome support system. I can't just rely on myself for getting through this. I need people in my life like this and I need to stay connected to the DOC. It makes all the difference.

Friday, July 12, 2013

So, about 6 months ago, I broke my pump's clip and still haven't gotten around to purchasing a new one. Now, if I have pockets, this poses no issues. If I do not, I have to get creative....if my pants are tight enough, I can usually just put it under my waistband. Sometimes, I just put it in my bra. Anyways, a couple days ago, I had my pump tucked into my waistband. I was going to the bathroom and instead of pulling down my pants, immediately remembered to remove my pump from the waistband...then pull down my pants. That got me thinking. At this point, diabetes is so second nature. It's something I think about constantly, but it's almost subconsciously. Sometimes I can't even remember if I bolused for my last meal....usually I did. :-)

It's crazy to think that I'm on my ninth year of diabetes. My Dianniversary (diabetes anniversary) was on June 22nd. Honestly, I was at a Yankees game and completely forgot about it. At first I felt a sense of sadness that I forgot about it, but I like to think of it as a good thing. Diabetes is something I've learned to live with. "It's like another limb." I think about it constantly, but a great deal of it is subconscious. Over the years, I've managed to go on and live life without must hesitation. Sure, when I was at the Yankees game I had to think about how must insulin to give for my ice cream cone and I had to test at one point...but those were minor thoughts. I was still able to go to and enjoy the baseball game without thinking too much about this stupid disease.

It's crazy to think of how far I've come since diagnosis nine years ago. Bring on year ten!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Well, I have about 7.5 weeks left my dietetic internship. This has been the fastest 10 months ever. I feel like I was just starting to get comfortable with the situation and now I have to figure out my next step. I am terrified. Now, I have to take the RD exam...and find a job. There are so many decisions to be made and I am beyond overwhelmed and filled with emotion. Do I stay in New York? Do I go home to Connecticut with my family? Do I move back to New Hampshire? Or should I just pack up and leave the North East all together. GAHHH. I wish this decision could make itself.

Up until this point, I feel like my whole life has been laid out perfectly for me. My diagnosis with type 1 diabetes was both scary and traumatic, but I truly feel like it happened for a reason. It opened my eyes to the wonderful world of medical nutrition therapy and guided my path in life. I have absolutely no regrets in the path I have chosen. Every single day, I feel like I've made a difference in someone's life. Though, not always nutrition-related, it's been such an awesome experience to provide patient's and their loved ones with comfort and support during such difficult times and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to practice my skills in such a prestigious hospital.

Not only has this internship aided in my journey towards becoming a Registered Dietitian, it has helped to grow as an adult. Moving to New York City, I've made some mistakes...but I'm learning from all of them. I have learned that I need to think about and stand up for myself more. I have learned that I need to remember to take care of my body..it's the only one I'll ever have. I have learned the importance in finding a good balance between health, work, relationships, and fun. The list could go on and on.

So as I move forward through the rest of this internship, I am going to try to remember to breathe, think about myself and what I want/need, and do good for this world.

With that, I leave you with some of my favorite inspirational quotes.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi

"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." -Steve Prefontaine

"Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change." -Unknown

About Me

HELLO ALL! My name is Karen and I'm a Type 1 Person with Diabetes, Registered Dietitian, and aspiring Certified Diabetes Educator. I started this blog while I was in college to connect with other Type 1s and their loved ones! Follow me on my journey as a young adult with type 1 diabetes!